Steve Nash wasn't feeling great with his shooting in the intense physical battle and didn't have the strength to break through the Warriors' defense.
Stoudemire, though he got to the free-throw line a few times with some strong drives, still didn't meet expectations.
Allan Houston, facing the stronger and faster Kobe, couldn't even get a hold of the ball.
Carmelo Anthony watched the game on TV, swallowing hard.
He realized that the Warriors, who swept his team in the first round, didn't even show seventy percent of their defensive prowess.
Eventually, it was Kobe who broke the scoring drought.
He successfully broke through with an in-and-out dribble, shrugged off Prince, and attacked the rim again. Prince could do nothing but grab Kobe's jersey. Kobe lost his balance in the air, but the basketball still hit the backboard and went in solidly!
The referee's whistle blew, and Kobe got a chance for a three-point play!
